2002 Toyota Tacoma: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma: 3 recalls, 333 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V189000 · 2003 · 123,360 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks, during side impact ncap test (i.e. Lincap test), a flange at the rear end of the double cab body deformed and interfered with the fuel inlet hose that connects the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank, resulting in damage to the fuel inlet hose.
Why it matters: This damage could result in fuel leakage, which could result in a fire if in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel hose protector on the body flange. Owner notification began June 3, 2003.
Suspension Vehicle recall #05V225000 · 2005 · 768,379 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint May have been scratched. The ball joint May eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
Why it matters: The lower ball joint May separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2005.
Tires Vehicle recall #12V542000 · 2012 · 150,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate May not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are…
Why it matters: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which May increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (180): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (154), leaks (6).
- Suspension (82): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (41), noise or vibration (9).
- Other / unknown (27): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (18).
- Transmission & drivetrain (21): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10), hard / delayed shifting (6).
The 2002 Toyota Tacoma has 333 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 32 Tacoma model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 264). Complaints peaked in 2014 (42 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 120,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (396 complaints, 4 recalls), 2003 (360 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota Tacoma problems?
Owners have filed 333 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (180), suspension (82), other / unknown (27).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Toyota Tacoma get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 9 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Toyota Tacoma repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.